There’s a multitude of reasons to come to old (and I mean OLD) historic town of Bad Windsheim.
First, it’s Franconia (and quite close Nuremberg). And if that’s not reason enough for you, this place is a health resort town (perfect for relaxing the body & mind) and it’s history dates back a millenia. Sounds like some pretty good reasons to visit?
When you first arrive, you’ll probably meet Roland; its the tall sandstone statue on the Marktplatz which was dedicated here in 1928. Roland is traditionally found in old medieval towns (which Bad Windsheim is) but his presence here stands as war memorial instead of marking the town as a “free” city.
FYI — on & over by the Marktplatz (in the Old Town) you’ll find all sorts of timber framed and multi-colored buildings framing the streets.
Well, you have a knight so all you need now is a lady.
You’ll meet her at the Frankish Outdoor Museum which is the edge of Bad Windsheim’s Old Town. The Thuringian Lady was buried here back in the 6th century and seems to have been of great importance; she was buried with all sorts of finery.
The Frankish Museum offers more than just old graves. Its Archaeological Museum has exhibits from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages and offers look into farming life from the 17th and 18th centuries. This museum might not be all high tech, but it is informative and interactive.
Interact with the beer garden there; they’re still brewing it here as they did centuries ago.
Phewww, with all that out of the way, it’s time to hit the spa. Bad Windsheim’s Hot Springs is a saltwater bath with just about the same brine content as the Dead Sea, has a sauna and other spa treatments for your total peace of mind.
Follow that up with an outdoor classical music concert for the ultimate in total relaxation. You’ll just have to come in July for those, though. Oh, that’s when Bad Windsheim holds its Altstadtfest a.k.a. Old Town Festival (1st weekend), too.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it then, there are other festivals and cultural activities held here through the entire year. For instance, the 2nd or 3rd weekend in March brings on the Weinturmlauf (a 10km run) and in July & August the outdoor theater holds all sorts of professional style shows.
Even Bad Windsheim’s City Hall gets in on the artists bandwagon with art gallery exhibits that change regularly. This way, you’ll always be surprised and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Just as there’s nothing wrong with Bad Windsheim.
